Senior Manager - Dive Center

About the Role
The Senior Manager – Dive Operations is a senior, site-based leadership role responsible for the full establishment, launch, and ongoing operational excellence of the dive center at the designated asset. This role plays a critical part in building a world-class dive operation from the ground up, including recruitment, team development, facility readiness, and the implementation of robust systems, processes, and standards. Once operational, the role assumes full accountability for the safe, efficient, and premium delivery of all diving and underwater tourism activities, including oversight of daily operations, exceptional guest experiences, strict adherence to international dive safety standards, staff performance management, environmental stewardship, and brand alignment. The Senior Manager will ensure the dive center consistently reflects the highest levels of professionalism, safety, and service excellence. Responsibilities extend to leading dive excursions, delivering and overseeing dive training and certification programs, managing all dive-related sales and revenue streams, and supporting the long-term growth of the dive operations across multiple assets.

Job Responsibilities
General Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Cluster Manager and actively support the establishment and operational readiness of the dive center at the assigned asset.
• Ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient day-to-day operation of the dive center.
• Support the Cluster Manager in the planning, development, and expansion of dive centers across other assets as required.
• Recruit, build, lead, and develop a high-performing dive operations team, managing a workforce of up to 13 diving professionals.
• Collaborate closely with Sustainability and SEZ departments to ensure all operations align with sensitive, high-profile environmental and marine conservation requirements.
• Work remotely as required and attend office locations when operational or business needs dictate.
• Ensure full compliance by all staff with the Dive Safety Manual and all applicable international standards.

Establishment of Dive Center – Pre-Opening

• Work in close partnership with the Cluster Manager to plan, develop, and deliver the dive center and all associated operational components.
• Support and collaborate with all departments during the delivery phase to ensure timelines, targets, and operational phasing requirements are met.
• Ensure the dive center is delivered in line with design intent, safety requirements, operational efficiency, and brand standards.

Establishment of Dive Center – Post-Opening

• Maintain and continuously enhance operational standards, with safety as the highest and non-negotiable priority.
• Ensure all dive center activities are conducted professionally, consistently, and in line with international best practice.
• Oversee and ensure the safe and professional execution of all daily diving activities.
• Ensure all training courses and certifications are delivered safely, conservatively, and strictly in accordance with the standards of the respective training agencies.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and auditable records for all dive center activities, training, and operations.
• Plan, direct, analyze, and coordinate all dive-related sales, including retail operations, to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, peers, partners, and the public.

Media Coverage

• Support the Destination Development department, when required, in facilitating photo and video media coverage.
• Media support is secondary to operational responsibilities and undertaken only as directed by the Cluster Manager or senior leadership.

Policies, Systems, Processes, Procedures, Standards & Reporting

• Implement, adopt, and comply with all functional policies, procedures, SOPs, and operational instructions to ensure consistency and control.
• Assist the Senior Dive Operations Manager in preparing accurate, timely MIS reports in line with corporate and functional reporting requirements.

Safety, Quality & Environment

• Apply all safety, quality, and environmental management policies to ensure the highest levels of employee and guest safety.
• Ensure full legislative compliance and promote a strong culture of environmental responsibility and marine conservation.

Continuous Improvement

• Actively identify and contribute to opportunities for continuous improvement across systems, processes, and practices.
• Drive operational excellence by benchmarking against international best practices, improving productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing guest experiences.

Job Requirements
Qualifications & Experience

• Certified PADI Instructor
• Minimum of 500 logged dives
• Certified at least 50 students across all core courses
• Proven experience in dive center and/or resort management across multiple geographic locations
• Strong background in dive business and/or resort operations
• Demonstrated hospitality and guest service track record
• Extensive diving health and safety experience
• Experience operating in diverse global dive environments
• Dive equipment management and maintenance oversight
• Dive retail and commercial operations experience
• Strong understanding of marine conservation principles
• Valid Fit-to-Dive medical certification
• Underwater photography and videography skills

Essential Skills

• Excellent written and spoken English
• Strong communication, presentation, and public speaking skills
• Exceptional customer service mindset with a proactive, "can-do" attitude
• Flexible, open-minded, and adaptable approach to work and environment
• Self-motivated with strong time management and deadline-driven delivery
• Ability to guide dives that deliver a premium "wow" guest experience
• Strong technical knowledge of dive equipment and maintenance standards
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Guest-experience focused with the ability to manage high-end clientele
• Strong cross-cultural awareness and ability to work with diverse nationalities
• Proven ability to handle guest feedback, requests, and complaints professionally
• Commitment to the highest possible safety standards for guests and staff
• Lead by example as a role model for professional conduct and behavior
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with sound judgment
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Strong interest in marine science, conservation, research, and education
• Ability to train and mentor staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences
• Strong administrative, planning, and coordination capabilities

Desirable Skills

• Additional spoken language(s), preferably Arabic
• Social media content creation and posting skills
• Advanced marine life identification skills (fish, invertebrates, reptiles, mammals)
• Certified workshop technician for multiple dive equipment brands

Job Context

• Operates across The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations in a strategic, multi-site capacity.
• Requires frequent travel and flexibility to work extended hours, including weekends and peak seasons.
• Oversees a wide range of marine and diving operations across multiple locations.
• Plays a critical leadership role in delivering safe, innovative, and world-class diving experiences aligned with destination growth and vision.